Parents and carers - 2, 3 and 4 year old Early Education funding

Some 2-year-olds will be eligible to receive 15 hours of funded early education and childcare per week, up to a maximum of 570 hours per academic year. Children must meet the date of birth criteria and parents must meet the eligibility criteria at either route 1 or 2

Eligibility route 1

• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit – and your household income is £15,400 a year or less after tax, not including benefit payments
• Guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit (or both), and your household income is £16,190 a year or less, before tax
• Working Tax Credit 4 – week run on, the payment you get when you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Eligibility route 2: for targeted 2-year-old funding

Parent/Carers with legal responsibility who do not meet route 1 criteria, may be eligible if they meet one or more of the conditions described in route 2

The child you are applying for:

• Is looked after by a local authority (for example you are a Foster Carer)

Evidence – you will need a letter from a relevant professional which includes the child`s name and date of birth

• Has a current Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP)

Evidence – a letter from a relevant professional with the child`s name and date of birth regarding the EHCP awarded

• Attracts Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Evidence – you will need to show a copy of your child’s DLA award letter

• Has left care under an Adoption Order, Special Guardianship or a Child arrangements order

Evidence – you will need a letter from a relevant professional with the child`s name and date of birth or Special guardianship, Adoption or Residence order from the court

If you are a non-EEA citizen who cannot claim benefits:

If your immigration status says you have ‘no recourse to public funds’, you may still be entitled to receive free childcare for your 2-year-old.

You must live in England and your household income must be no more than:

• £26,500 for families with one child or
• £30,600 for families with two or more children. You cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments.

Proof of evidence will be required.

Eligibility Route 2 – Coventry’s Local criteria

Coventry has developed a local criterion to help ensure that every child who needs a Targeted 2-year-old place is able to access one. To be eligible for a place, the child you are applying for must meet one of the criteria set out below:

Child protection

Your child is supported through a child protection or child-in-need plan. A letter from the lead Social Worker would be required as evidence.

Coventry SEND

Your child has a diagnosed syndrome, condition or disability that significantly affects the ability to access learning or has 12 months of developmental delay in 2 or more out of the 4 areas of need. These are:

• Communication and Interaction
• Cognition and Learning
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties
• Sensory and/or physical needs

Your child is accessing additional services provided by health or local authority professionals. A letter from the relevant professional will need to be submitted as part of your application under this route

Early Help Support

Your child is accessing additional services provided by health or local authority professionals and you have a total household income of £20,000 or less a year, after tax.

Proof of your total household income for the year after tax, and a letter from the relevant professional will need to be submitted when applying.

An eligible child can access a funded place the term after their second birthday.

If you have legal responsibility for a 2-year-old or a child that is nearly 2, you can apply for a targeted 2-year-old funding code.

Or you can visit your local Family Hub or ask a childcare provider to assist with an online check.

Once eligibility is confirmed you need to take the code to your chosen childcare provider and agree how the funding will be used.

Once a child has started a Targeted 2-year-old funded place, they will not lose this eligibility, even if your financial circumstances change. The child will continue to be able to access this funding until they seamlessly transition to universal funding, which is an entitlement for all 3- & 4-year-olds.